What is Insulin? - Important hormone allows your body to use sugar (glucose) What is Insulin? Written by Amy Hess-Fischl MS, RD, LDN, BC-ADM, CDE Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that allows your body to use sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates in the food that you eat for energy or to store glucose for future use. Insulin helps keeps your blood sugar level from getting too high ( hyperglycemia ) or too low (hypoglycemia). The cells in your body need sugar for energy. However, sugar cannot go into most of your cells directly. After you eat food and your blood sugar level rises, cells in your pancreas (known as beta cells) are signaled to release insulin into your bloodstream. Insulin then attaches to and signals cells to absorb sugar from the bloodstream. Insulin is often described as a “key,” which unlocks the cell to allow sugar to enter the cell and be used for energy. After you eat, cells in your pancreas are signaled to release insulin into the bloodstream.

If you have more sugar in your body than it needs, insulin helps store the sugar in your liver and releases it when your blood sugar level is low or if you need more sugar, such as in between meals or during physical activity. Therefore, insulin helps balance out blood sugar levels and keeps them in a normal range. As blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas secretes more insulin. If your body does not produce enough insulin or your cells are resistant to the effects of insulin, you may develop hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which can cause long-term complications if the blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods of time. Insulin Treatment for Diabetes People with type 1 diabetes cannot make insulin because the beta cells in their pancreas are damaged or destroyed. Therefore, these people will need insulin injections to allow their body to process glucose and avoid complications from hyperglycemia. People with type 2 diabetes do not respond well or are resistant to insulin. They may need insulin shots to help them better process sugar and to prevent long-term complications from this disease. Persons with type 2 diabetes may first be treated with oral medications, along with diet and exercise.

Since type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition, the longer someone has it, the more likely they will require insulin to maintain blood sugar levels. Various types of insulin are used to treat diabetes and include: Rapid-acting insulin: It starts working approximately 15 minutes after injection and peaks at approximately 1 hour but continues to work for two to four hours. This is usually taken before a meal and in addition to a long-acting insulin. Short-acting insulin: It starts working approximately 30 minutes after injection and peaks at approximately 2 to 3 hours but will continue to work for three to six hours. It is usually given before a meal and in addition to a long-acting insulin. Intermediate-acting insulin: It starts working approximately 2 to 4 hours after injection and peaks approximately 4 to 12 hours later and continues to work for 12-18 hours. It is usually taken twice a day and in addition to a rapid- or short-acting insulin. Long-acting insulin: It starts working after several hours after injection and works for approximately 24 hours. If necessary, it is often used in combination with rapid- or short-acting insulin.

Insulin can be given by a syringe, injection pen, or an insulin pump that delivers a continuous flow of insulin. Your doctor will work with you to figure out which type of insulin is best for you depending on whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels,and your lifestyle. The Role of Insulin in the Human Body - YouTube The Role of Insulin in the Human Body Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on May 13, 2011 Developed and produced by Animation Description: This patient-friendly animation describes the main role of insulin in the human body. When food is ingested, it travels along the digestive tract where it is broken down into its component nutrients in order to be absorbed into the bloodstream. One such nutrient is glucose, a simple sugar. Glucose gets absorbed by the stomach and intestines and then enters the bloodstream. It travels through the circulation to all body cells.

Once absorbed into the bloodstream, glucose circulates causing the blood sugar level to rise. An increased level of blood sugar sends a signal to the pancreatic beta cells, which respond by secreting the hormone insulin into the circulation. Insulin is necessary for glucose to reach and be used by several important target tissues throughout the body. These include the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. Insulin is necessary to keep blood glucose levels stable in the body. Circulating insulin binds to specific insulin receptors located on the cell membrane of tissue cells throughout the body. Upon binding, a signal is sent to the nucleus of the cell, instructing it to transport glucose channels to the cell surface. These channels allow glucose to enter the cell. Glucose enters the cell through a process called facilitated diffusion. Category Insulin's role in the human body Insulin's role in the human body By Yolanda Smith , BPharm Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that has a number of important functions in the human body, particularly in the control of blood glucose levels and preventing hyperglycemia. It also has an effect on several other areas of the body, including the synthesis of lipids and regulation of enzymatic activity.

Image Copyright: Designua, Image ID: 283557914 via Shutterstock.com Insulin and Metabolic Processes The most important role of insulin in the human body is its interaction with glucose to allow the cells of the body to use glucose as energy. The pancreas usually produces more insulin in response to a spike in blood sugar level, for example after eating a meal high in energy. This is because the insulin acts as a “key” to open up the cells in the body and allows the glucose to be used as an energy source. Additionally, when there is excess glucose in the bloodstream, known as hyperglycemia, insulin encourages the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver, muscle and fat cells. These stores can then be used at a later date when energy requirements are higher. As a result of this, there is less insulin in the bloodstream, and normal blood glucose levels are restored. Insulin stimulates the synthesis of glycogen in the liver, but when the liver is saturated with glycogen, an alternative pathway takes over. This involves the uptake of additional glucose into adipose tissue, leading to the synthesis of lipoproteins.

Image Copyright: Alila Medical Media, Image ID:114645271 via Shutterstock.com Results Without Insulin Researchers developing novel formulation to improve longevity of insulin infusion implants In the absence of insulin, the body is not able to utilize the glucose as energy in the cells. As a result, the glucose remains in the bloodstream and can lead to high blood sugar , known as hyperglycemia. Chronic hyperglycemia is characteristic of diabetes mellitus and, if untreated, is associated with severe complications, such as damage to the nervous system, eyes, kidneys and extremities. In severe cases, lack of insulin and reduced ability to use glucose as a source of energy can lead to a reliance of fat stores as the sole source of energy. The breakdown of these fats can release ketones into the bloodstream, which can lead to a serious condition called ketoacidosis. Other Functions of Insulin In addition to the regulation of glucose, insulin also plays a role in other areas of the body. It may be involved in all of the following functions to: Modify the activity of enzymes and the resulting reactions in the body.

Build muscle following sickness or injury via the transportation of amino acids to the muscle tissue, which is required to repair muscular damage and increase size and strength. It helps to regulate the uptake of amino acids, DNA replication and the synthesis of proteins. Manage synthesis of lipids by uptake into fat cells, which are converted to triglycerides. Manage breakdown or protein and lipids due to changes in fat cells. Uptake of amino acids and potassium into the cells that cannot take place in the absence of insulin. Manage excretion of sodium and fluid volume in the urine. Enhance learning and memory of the brain functions. It is evident that insulin plays a number of essential roles in the body, including the management of sugar levels in the blood and many other areas. How Insulin Works in the Body How Insulin Works in the Body Search the site By Elizabeth Woolley - Reviewed by a board-certified physician. Updated November 14, 2016 Insulin has a hand in several processes in your body: Not only does it assist with metabolizing carbohydrates and storing glucose for energy in cells, but it also helps utilize the fat, protein, and certain minerals you eat.

Because this hormone is so important in helping your body use the foods you ingest, a problem with insulin can have widespread effects on all of your body's systems, tissues, and organs—either directly or indirectly. If you have type 2 diabetes, learning how insulin works can help you understand why so many other medical conditions are associated with diabetes, why certain lifestyle practices are beneficial, and how your body reacts to food. Where Insulin is Produced in the Body Insulin is a hormone made up of a small polypeptide protein that is secreted by the pancreas, which acts as both an endocrine and exocrine gland. Endocrine glands are the system of glands that secrete hormones to regulate body functions. Exocrine glands aid in digestion. The pancreas sits behind the stomach, nestled in the curve of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), and contains clusters of cells called islets of Langerhans. Islets are made up of beta cells, which produce and release insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin is Part of a Balancing Act Insulin affects carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. Your body breaks these nutrients down into sugar molecules, amino acid molecules, and lipid molecules, respectively.

The body can also store and reassemble these molecules into more complex forms. Insulin causes the storage of these nutrients, while another pancreatic hormone called glucagon releases them from storage. Insulin is involved in your body's careful balancing act to keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range. In simple terms: If your blood sugar is high: The pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream to lower blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar is low: The pancreas releases glucagon to help the liver release stored glucose into the bloodstream to raise blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels rise when most foods are consumed, but they rise more rapidly and drastically with carbohydrates. The digestive system releases glucose from foods and the glucose molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream. The rising glucose levels signal the pancreas to secrete insulin to clear out glucose from the bloodstream. Insulin binds with insulin receptors on cell surfaces and acts as a key to open up the cells to receive glucose. Insulin receptors are on almost all tissues, including muscle cells and fat cells. Insulin receptors have two main components—the exterior and interior portions. The exterior portion extends outside the cell and binds with insulin.

When this happens, the interior part of the receptor sends out a signal inside the cell for glucose transporters to mobilize to the surface and receive glucose. As blood sugar and insulin levels decrease, the receptors empty and the glucose transporters go back into the cell. Insulin and Type 2 Diabetes In a perfect situation, glucose from carbohydrates gets cleared rapidly. However, when there is insulin resistance , this does not happen, and sustained high glucose levels become a problem. Insulin resistance can be due to a problem with the shape of the insulin (preventing receptor binding), not having enough insulin receptors, signaling problems, or glucose transporters not working properly. Whatever the specific cause, the function of insulin is impaired. Insulin resistance develops before type 2 diabetes is diagnosed. To make up for less effective insulin, the pancreas works overtime to increase insulin output. Eventually, some of the insulin works and blood sugar levels remain normal for a while. As insulin resistance worsens and the pancreas cannot keep up with the demand, glucose levels begin to rise and diabetes is diagnosed when levels get too high. How Insulin Affects Fat Metabolism Carbohydrate and fat metabolism are closely connected and both influenced by insulin.

If insulin is not working properly, problems can occur. For example, high levels of insulin can send the wrong signals to the brain. These signals tell the brain that there is excess insulin and that your cells are starving for glucose. So in response, your brain creates cravings for carbohydrates, signals your body to store fat, and orders carbs to be burned for energy rather than body fat. This is why weight loss can be difficult when you have type 2 diabetes. Insulin also plays a key role in the development of high triglyceride levels: In the Liver: Insulin stimulates the creation and storage of glycogen from glucose. High insulin levels cause the liver to get saturated with glycogen. When this happens, the liver resists further storage. Glucose is used instead to create fatty acids that are converted into lipoproteins and released into the bloodstream. These break down into free fatty acids and are used in other tissues. Some tissues use these to create triglycerides. In Fat Cells: Insulin stops the breakdown of fat and prevents the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids. When glucose enters these cells, it can be used to create a compound called glycerol.

Glycerol can be used along with the excess free fatty acids from the liver to make triglycerides. This can cause triglycerides to build up in the fat cells. How Insulin Affects Protein and Minerals Insulin helps amino acids from protein to enter cells. When this process is hindered, it can make it difficult to build muscle mass. Insulin also makes cells more receptive to potassium, magnesium, and phosphate. These substances are also known as electrolytes, which help conduct electricity within the body. They influence muscle function, blood pH, and the amount of water in your body. An electrolyte imbalance can be worsened by high blood sugar levels as this can cause excessive urination with water and electrolyte loss. Normal and Impaired Insulin Function To break things down in an easy-to-remember format, this list illustrates what happens with normal and impaired insulin function. Normal function: Insulin transports glucose into cells to clear glucose from the bloodstream. Impaired function: Glucose is not cleared from the bloodstream. Normal function: Insulin helps convert glucose to glycogen (the storage form of glucose) in liver and muscle cells. Impaired function: Glucose is not easily stored as glycogen.

Cells "starve," which can cause the body to behave as if there are starvation conditions and even cause cravings for sweet carbohydrates, although there are high levels of glucose in the body. Normal function: Insulin slows down the creation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, like protein in the liver. An example of this is when the liver releases glucose into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels are too low. Impaired function: The liver releases glucose into the bloodstream inappropriately even when blood sugar levels are high. Normal function: Insulin stops the breakdown of fat and stimulates the creation of fat under the right circumstances. Impaired function: High insulin levels can signal for less fat loss and more fat storage. Normal function: Insulin regulates the formation of fat from simple sugars, which can eventually become triglycerides . Impaired function Triglycerides levels increase inappropriately. Normal function: Insulin stimulates protein synthesis (creation), which affects muscle growth. Impaired function: You may have difficulty building muscle. How to Help Insulin Work Better These strategies may help you increase insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance: Diabetes (Types 1 and 2) and Insulin: Overview By Debra Manzella, RN - Reviewed by a board-certified physician.

Updated February 26, 2016 What is Insulin? Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that permits glucose to enter cells and helps the body use glucose for energy. Insulin controls the amount of glucose in the blood. People with Type 1 diabetes must use manufactured insulin, usually in an injectable form (such as an insulin pen or an insulin pump ), to replace the natural insulin that is no longer produced by their body. People with Type 2 diabetes sometimes need to use insulin when their cells become too resistant to the insulin that they produce naturally and oral medications are no longer working. This can happen if you've had diabetes for a long time. It doesn't mean you've failed your diabetes, rather that the pancreas (the organ that produces insulin) is tired and needs some help to lower blood sugars. The Pancreas and Insulin Production: Your pancreas is a very quiet little organ that sits behind the stomach and produces digestive enzymes and a couple of hormones, such as insulin and glucagon. Most people never think about their pancreas; it just does it's thing, pumping insulin into the blood when glucose is too high and glucagon when the glucose is too low.

What is the Role of Insulin in Digestion: When you take in food, your body breaks it down into materials that you need for your cells to function. One of those materials is sugar in the form of glucose ( which is broken down from carbohydrates ). Your cells use glucose for energy. To get the glucose into your cells, the sugar travels into the bloodstream and triggers your pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin lets the sugar pass from the blood into your cells. When sugar is converted to energy, it's either used or stored until you need it. The Rise and Fall of Blood Sugar: Blood sugar is lower before a meal and then rises once you have eaten. Then, approximately two hours after the meal, it returns to normal. Blood sugar is measured in milliliters per deciliter of blood. Blood sugar targets vary from person to person. Diabetes is diagnosed when blood sugar levels fall out of the normal range because the pancreas either isn't producing any insulin or the insulin it makes is not working effectively. Insulin and Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is attacked by the immune system and the insulin producing cells, also known as beta cells, are permanently destroyed. The pancreas no longer produces insulin.

The signs and symptoms of type 1 happen swiftly. Typically, insulin production drops off suddenly when the beta cells are destroyed and the person is very quickly in crisis. When there isn't any insulin, the sugar in the blood just keeps circulating and building. The cells don't get any fuel and the body tries to get rid of the excess sugar. It tries to dilute it by pulling water out of body. This causes excessive thirst and urination. The body becomes fatigued because the cells aren't getting the glucose they need for energy. The person may suffer a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis where the body starts to break down fats to make energy. This produces ketones which makes the blood increasingly acidic.This can cause a person to go into a diabetic coma and possibly even die. People with Type 1 diabetes must always take insulin for the rest of their lives in order to live with the disease. Insulin and Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is different than type 1. The pancreas still makes insulin, but the body develops resistance to insulin, so the cells don't respond to it, and they are unable to take up the sugar that is in the blood.

Type 2 used to be almost exclusively an older person's disease, but with the rise in childhood obesity and obesity in general in our country, there are cases of type 2 in children and young adults as well. Sources: Insulin Basics , American Diabetes Association, July 16, 2015. Insulin, Human Regular Information from Drugs.com FOR USE IN EXTERNAL INSULIN INFUSION PUMPS OR WITH U-100 INSULIN SYRINGES Please read this leaflet carefully. WARNING ANY CHANGE OF INSULIN SHOULD BE MADE CAUTIOUSLY AND ONLY UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION. CHANGES IN PURITY, STRENGTH (E.G., U-40, U-100), MANUFACTURER, TYPE (E.G., LENTE, NPH, REGULAR) OR SPECIES (BEEF, PORK, BEEF/PORK, HUMAN) MAY RESULT IN THE NEED FOR A CHANGE IN DOSAGE. ADJUSTMENT MAY BE NEEDED WITH THE FIRST DOSE OR OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL WEEKS.

BE AWARE THAT SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA (LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE) OR HYPERGLYCEMIA (HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE) MAY INDICATE THE NEED FOR DOSAGE ADJUSTMENT. PLEASE READ SECTIONS ENTITLED "INSULIN REACTION" AND "DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS AND COMA". VELOSULIN BR SHOULD NOT BE MIXED WITH ANY OTHER INSULIN SINCE THE BUFFERING AGENT IN VELOSULIN BR MAY INTERACT WITH THE OTHER INSULIN AND RESULT IN A CHANGE OF ACTIVITY. CHANGE THE CATHETER TUBING, THE INSULIN, AND THE RESERVOIR EVERY 48 HOURS. INSULIN USE IN DIABETES Your physician has explained that you have diabetes and that your treatment involves the use of insulin or insulin therapy combined with an oral antidiabetic medicine. Insulin is normally produced by the pancreas, a gland that lies behind the stomach. Without insulin, glucose (a simple sugar made from digested food) is trapped in the bloodstream and cannot enter the cells of the body.

Some patients who do not make any or enough of their own insulin, or who cannot use the insulin they do make properly, must take insulin by injection in order to control their blood glucose levels. Each case of diabetes is different and requires direct and continued medical supervision. Your physician has told you the type, strength and amount of insulin you should use and the time(s) at which you should administer it, and has also discussed with you a diet and exercise schedule. You should contact your physician if you experience any difficulties or if you have any questions. TYPES OF INSULINS Standard and purified animal insulins as well as human insulins are available. Standard and purified insulins differ in their degree of purification and content of noninsulin material. Standard and purified insulins also vary in species source: they may be of beef, pork, or mixed beef and pork origin. Human insulin is identical in structure to the insulin produced by the human pancreas, and thus differs from animal insulins. Insulins vary in time of action and in strength; see PRODUCT DESCRIPTION for additional information. Your physician has prescribed the insulin that is right for you; be sure you have purchased the correct insulin and check it carefully before you use it.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Velosulin BR is a clear solution of insulin in a phosphate buffer. The concentration of this product is 100 units of insulin per milliliter. This human insulin is structurally identical to the insulin produced by the pancreas in the human body. This structural identity is obtained by recombinant-DNA technology utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (bakers' yeast) as the production organism. When a U-100 insulin syringe is used to deliver the insulin, the effect of Velosulin BR begins approximately 1 / 2 hour after the injection. The effect lasts up to approximately 8 hours with a maximal effect between the 1st and 3rd hour. The time course of action of any insulin may vary considerably in different individuals, or at different times in the same individual, or when using an external insulin infusion pump to deliver the insulin. Because of this variation, the time periods listed here should be considered as general guidelines only when using U-100 insulin syringes to deliver the insulin. STORAGE Insulin should be stored in a cool place, preferably in a refrigerator, but not in the freezing compartment. Do not use insulin if it has been frozen.

Keep the insulin in its carton so that it will stay clean and protected from light. If refrigeration is not possible, the bottle of insulin which you are currently using can be kept unrefrigerated as long as it is kept as cool as possible (below 86°F [30°C]) and away from heat and sunlight. Never use Velosulin BR if it becomes viscous (thickened) or cloudy. Use it only if it is clear and colorless. Never use insulin after the expiration date which is printed on the vial label and carton.Once the vial has been opened, it should be used within four weeks (28 days). (Note: Remove the tamper-resistant cap at first use. If the cap has already been removed, do not use this product and return it to your pharmacy.) EXTERNAL INSULIN INFUSION PUMPS Velosulin BR is indicated for use with external insulin infusion pumps. Novo Nordisk has demonstrated Velosulin BR to be compatible with MiniMed Model 506 external insulin infusion pump, using MiniMed catheters of Polyfin™ and Sofset™ types without Quick Release.

MiniMed Models 506, 505, and 507 external insulin infusion pumps are equivalent with regard to insulin compatibility. If you have any questions on how to operate the pump, consult with your physician or diabetes educator. It is important that you follow the instructions in your pump manual. Failure to follow the instructions may result in an inaccurate insulin dose. The pump manual will also help you in the selection, use and sterilization of the appropriate accessories specific to your pump model. Use the correct reservoir and catheter for the pump that you are using to minimize catheter blockage. Follow your external insulin infusion pump instructions for filling a new reservoir making certain that there are no large air bubbles in the syringe or the catheter. Before inserting the needle, use soap and water to clean your hands and the skin of the infusion site to avoid infection. Choose a new site for each new needle. Follow your instructions from your physician or diabetes educator regarding basal infusion rates and mealtime insulin bolus dosages. An insulin bolus should be followed by a meal within 30 minutes. Velosulin BR is for infusion under the skin. It should not be mixed with any other insulin.

To get the most benefit from insulin infusion, measure your blood sugar levels regularly. This will also help in detecting any possible malfunction of your insulin pump. Change the catheter tubing, the insulin, and the reservoir every 48 hours. NOTE: In case of pump interruption or failure, switch back to conventional insulin therapy using U-100 syringes and consult with your physician or diabetes educator. Please see the following information: INSTRUCTIONS FOR INJECTION USING U-100 SYRINGES A. PREPARING THE INJECTION Clean your hands and the injection site with soap and water or with alcohol. Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. Pull back the plunger of the syringe until the rubber tip reaches the marking for the number of units you will inject. Push the needle of the syringe through the rubber stopper into the vial. Push the plunger all the way in. This inserts air into the vial. Turn the vial and syringe upside down and slowly pull the plunger back to a few units beyond the correct dose. If there are air bubbles, flick the syringe firmly with your finger to raise the air bubbles to the needle, then slowly push the plunger to the correct unit marking.

Remove the needle from the vial. B. GIVING THE INJECTION The following areas are suitable for subcutaneous insulin injection: thighs, upper arms, buttocks, or abdomen. Do not change areas without consulting your physician. The actual point of injection should be changed with each injection. Injection sites should be about an inch apart. The injection site should be clean and dry. Pinch up skin area to be injected and hold it firmly. Hold the syringe like a pencil and push the needle quickly and firmly into the pinched-up area. Release the skin and push plunger all the way in to inject insulin beneath the skin. To ensure that all the insulin is injected, keep the needle in the skin for several seconds after the injection with your finger on the plunger. Do not inject into a muscle unless your physician has advised it. You should never inject insulin into a vein. Remove the needle. If slight bleeding occurs, press lightly with a dry cotton swab for a few seconds-- do not rub . IMPORTANT Failure to comply with the above instructions and the antiseptic measures may lead to infections at the injection site. Note: you should use the injection technique recommended by your physician.

USAGE IN PREGNANCY It is particularly important to maintain good control of your diabetes during pregnancy and special attention must be paid to your diet, exercise and insulin regimens. If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, consult your physician or diabetes educator. INSULIN REACTION Insulin reaction (too little sugar in the blood, also called hypoglycemia) can occur if the external infusion pump delivers too much insulin, if you take too large an insulin bolus, skip meals, exercise or work harder than normal. Hypoglycemia can also happen if you combine insulin therapy and other medications that lower blood glucose, such as oral antidiabetic agents or other prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The symptoms, which usually come on suddenly, are hunger, dizziness, and sweating. Personality change or confusion may also occur. If you drink or eat something right away (a glass of milk or orange juice, or several sugar candies), you can often stop the progression of symptoms. If symptoms persist, call a physician; an insulin reaction can lead to unconsciousness. If a reaction results in loss of consciousness, emergency medical care should be obtained immediately.

If you have had repeated reactions or if an insulin reaction has led to a loss of consciousness, contact your physician. Severe hypoglycemia can result in temporary or permanent impairment of brain function and death. In certain cases, the nature and intensity of the warning symptoms of hypoglycemia may change. A few patients have reported that after being transferred to human insulin, the early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia were less pronounced than they had been with animal-source insulin. DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS AND COMA Diabetic ketoacidosis may develop if your body has too little insulin. The most common causes are acute illness, infection, failure to take enough insulin by injection, or catheter clogging when used with an external insulin infusion pump. If you are ill, you should check your urine for ketones. The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis usually come on gradually, over a period of hours or days, and include a drowsy feeling, flushed face, thirst, and loss of appetite. Notify a physician immediately if the urine test is positive for ketones (acetone) or if you have any of these symptoms.

More severe symptoms are fast, heavy breathing and rapid pulse; if these symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention right away. Severe, sustained hyperglycemia may result in diabetic coma and death. Adverse Reactions Insulin allergy occurs very rarely, but when it does, it may cause a serious reaction including a general skin rash over the body, shortness of breath, fast pulse, sweating and a drop in blood pressure. If any of these symptoms develop you should seek emergency medical care. The formation of fatty lumps at the infusion site or injection site is usually a sign of frequent needle insertion at the same site. Remember to choose new infusion sites or injection sites at which to insert each new needle and consult with your physician or diabetes educator if you develop these fatty lumps at the infusion site. The skin at the infusion site or injection site may also become red, swollen and itchy. This is a local reaction. It may occur if needle insertion is not properly made at the infusion site or injection site, or as a result of skin sensitivity to the cleansing solutions or if the patient is allergic to insulin. If you have a local reaction, consult with your physician or diabetes educator. Patients with severe systemic allergic reactions to insulin (i.e.

generalized urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis) should be skin tested with each new preparation to be used prior to initiation of therapy with that preparation. IMPORTANT NOTES A change in the type, strength, species or purity of insulin could require a dosage adjustment. Any change in insulin should be made under medical supervision. You may have learned how to test your urine or your blood for glucose. It is important to do these tests regularly. Monitor your results and make appropriate dosage adjustments. Contact your physician or diabetes educator for assistance. If you have an illness, especially with vomiting or fever, continue taking your insulin. If possible, stay on your regular diet. If you have trouble eating, drink fruit juices, regular soft drinks, or clear soups; if you can, eat small amounts of bland foods. Test your urine for glucose and ketones and, if possible, test your blood glucose. Note the results and adjust dosage accordingly or contact your physician or diabetes educator for assistance. If you have severe and prolonged vomiting, seek immediate emergency medical care. You should always carry identification which states that you have diabetes. Always consult with your physician or pharmacist before taking any new medication.

Contact your physician if you have any questions about your condition or the use of insulin. Helpful information for people with diabetes is published by American Diabetes Association, 1160 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Novo Nordisk™, Velosulin and Lente are trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S MiniMed, Polyfin™, and Sofset™ are trademarks of MiniMed Inc. © 1999 Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For information contact: Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540 Manufactured by: Novo Nordisk A/S, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark Date of issue: July 1999 PRODUCT PHOTO(S): NOTE: These photos can be used only for identification by shape, color, and imprint. They do not depict actual or relative size. The product samples shown here have been supplied by the manufacturer. While every effort has been made to assure accurate reproduction, please remember that any visual identification should be considered preliminary. In cases of poisoning or suspected overdosage, the drug's identity should be verified by chemical analysis.

FDA Consumer Updates Insulin (Hormone) - Role of Insulin in the Body and Effect on Blood Glucose Insulin Insulin instructs cells to take in glucose from the blood Insulin is a hormone which plays a key role in the regulation of blood glucose levels. A lack of insulin, or an inability to adequately respond to insulin, can each lead to the development of the symptoms of diabetes . In addition to its role in controlling blood sugar levels, insulin is also involved in the storage of fat. The role of insulin in the body Insulin is a hormone which plays a number of roles in the body’s metabolism. Insulin regulates how the body uses and stores glucose and fat. Many of the body’s cells rely on insulin to take glucose from the blood for energy . Insulin and blood glucose levels Insulin helps control blood glucose levels by signaling the liver and muscle and fat cells to take in glucose from the blood. Insulin therefore helps cells to take in glucose to be used for energy. If the body has sufficient energy, insulin signals the liver to take up glucose and store it as glycogen . The liver can store up to around 5% of its mass as glycogen.

Some cells in the body can take glucose from the blood without insulin, but most cells do require insulin to be present. Insulin and type 1 diabetes In type 1 diabetes , the body produces insufficient insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Without the presence of insulin, many of the body’s cells cannot take glucose from the blood and therefore the body uses other sources of energy. Ketones are produced by the liver as an alternative source of energy, however, high levels of the ketones can lead to a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis . People with type 1 diabetes will need to inject insulin to compensate for their body’s lack of insulin. Insulin and type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes is characterised by the body not responding effectively to insulin. This is termed insulin resistance . As a result the body is less able to take up glucose from the blood. In the earlier stages of type 2 diabetes, the body responds by producing more insulin than it would normally need to. If type 2 diabetes develops over a number of years, the extra demands on the pancreas to produce insulin can lead to a loss of insulin producing cells (known as pancreatic beta cells) as they wear out.

Depending on their level of insulin resistance, people with type 2 diabetes may also need to take insulin injections to manage their blood sugar levels. Insulin and fat storage As well as being involved in the regulation of blood glucose, insulin is also involved in how fat is used by the body. When the liver is has taken up its capacity of glycogen, insulin signals fat cells to take up glucose to be stored as triglycerides. An additional effect of insulin is in inhibiting the breakdown of fats. Synthetic insulin People with type 1 diabetes and a proportion of people with type 2 diabetes will need to take exogenous insulin (insulin that is not produced by one’s own body). Insulin is usually injected but can also be delivered by an insulin pump which continually infuses insulin through the day and night. Synthetic insulin is made in laboratories and is the most commonly prescribed form of insulin for medication purposes. Non-synthetic animal insulin is also available in the UK if preferred. Explore Insulin What Is Insulin? How Does Insulin Regulate Glucose? Latest Research Insulin is a hormone; a chemical messenger produced in one part of the body to have an action on another.

It is a protein responsible for regulating blood glucose levels as part of metabolism.1 The body manufactures insulin in the pancreas, and the hormone is secreted by its beta cells, primarily in response to glucose.1 The beta cells of the pancreas are perfectly designed "fuel sensors" stimulated by glucose.2 As glucose levels rise in the plasma of the blood, uptake and metabolism by the pancreas beta cells are enhanced, leading to insulin secretion.1 Insulin has two modes of action on the body - an excitatory one and an inhibitory one:3 Insulin stimulates glucose uptake and lipid synthesis It inhibits the breakdown of lipids, proteins and glycogen, and inhibits the glucose pathway (gluconeogenesis) and production of ketone bodies (ketogenesis). What is the pancreas? The pancreas is responsible for controlling the body's sugar levels and sits near the stomach in the abdomen. The pancreas is the organ responsible for controlling sugar levels.

It is part of the digestive system and located in the abdomen, behind the stomach and next to the duodenum - the first part of the small intestine.4 The pancreas has two main functional components:4,5 Exocrine cells - cells that release digestive enzymes into the gut via the pancreatic duct The endocrine pancreas - islands of cells known as the islets of Langerhans within the "sea" of exocrine tissue; islets release hormones such as insulin and glucagon into the blood to control blood sugar levels. Islets are highly vascularized (supplied by blood vessels) and specialized to monitor nutrients in the blood.2 The alpha cells of the islets secrete glucagon while the beta cells - the most abundant of the islet cells - release insulin.5 The release of insulin in response to elevated glucose has two phases - a first around 5-10 minutes after glucose levels are raised and a second after 30-60 minutes.2,6 Diagram of the pancreas More information on the function of the pancreas is available in our pancreas article . How does insulin regulate glucose?

Glucose levels are tightly controlled by insulin so that the rate of glucose production by the liver is matched by the rate of use by the cells. In diabetes, hyperglycemia means that the loss of glucose through the urine is also needed to achieve this balance.3 In healthy individuals, the role of insulin is to keep a steady blood glucose level by ensuring sufficient release from the liver. Low insulin levels cause the release of glucose while more insulin inhibits glucose production by telling the liver to store glucose as glycogen.3,5 The importance of insulin for maintaining blood glucose levels is mainly due to this effect on liver storage and release. The uptake of glucose by cells can take place without insulin - the hormone simply accelerates this uptake through recruitment of glucose transporter molecules to the cell membrane.3 If there is a lack of insulin in the liver, the liver releases glucose into the bloodstream faster than tissues can metabolize it.3 This video shows how insulin is key to the access of glucose to cells. The pharmaceutical company-produced animation also explains insulin's role in diabetes. The cell physiology of biphasic insulin secretion , Patrik Rorsman et al., News in Physiological Science, published online April 2000.

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Question: Insulin is produced by which organ of the human body?
Answer: Pancreas